What is this on my filter?

[Gordinho80]

WHAT IS THIS???

 

[rich311k]

You must have hard water. It is a build up of the solids that are in the water. You can get it off with vinegar. Be sure to keep you media wet while you clean it off and to throughly rinse the filter off before putting it back on the tank.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

It is hard water deposits (calcium/lime). You can clean it off, but it will keep coming back. As rich suggested, vinegar will take it off.

 

[Gordinho80]

will it harm fish if a piece falls into the tank?

 

[rich311k]

No it is already in the water. Do not use vinigar if you are going to clean it while it is on the tank.

 

[Devilishturtles]

Ive got it all over my filters. I just scrub it off when it gets unsightly.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

A razor blade will take it off also. Just make sure there are not chemicals on the blade. When I clean it off I do it during water changes.

 

[shaunakadub]

Yep, don't be alarmed. Its harmless and I'd bet that a lot of people here have the same thing. I know I get a tad bit.

 

[Gordinho80]

thanks everyone...

 

[jcarlilesiu]

I have the same issue with the spray effects on my glass canopy. I just cleaned it off last night using white vinegar, it came right off and the canopy looks good as new

 

[aquablue]

My filter gets the same. I've never had any problems scrubbing it off while cleaning the filter.